Il caso Scuderoni c. Italia e l’interpretazione del reato di maltrattamenti in famiglia in violazione degli obblighi internazionali

di Deborah Russo

SOMMARIO: 1. Il caso. – 2. L’oggetto del ricorso. – 3. La ricostruzione del quadro giuridico interno in chiave critica. – 4. Gli argomenti posti a fondamento della condanna. – 5. Osservazioni conclusive.

The Scuderoni v. Italy judgment marks an important step in the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisprudence on domestic violence and States’ positive obligations under Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Court held Italy responsible for failing to prevent and effectively respond to domestic violence, while critically addressing the restrictive interpretation of the offence of ill-treatment under Article 572 of the Italian Criminal Code. The article argues that the requirement of habitual and systematic conduct, as applied by Italian courts, is incompatible with the standards set by the Istanbul Convention and the principle of due diligence. By focusing on the Court’s reasoning and the observations of the GREVIO, the analysis highlights how this interpretative approach trivialises domestic violence, reinforces gender stereotypes, and undermines victim protection. The judgment underscores the need for a gender-sensitive interpretation of criminal law capable of addressing the dynamics and escalation of domestic violence from its earliest manifestations. The article ultimately calls on ordinary courts to interpret domestic criminal law in conformity with international human rights obligations, ensuring effective protection from the earliest manifestations of domestic violence.